Break the routine and spend a week in our studios this summer! 🌞 100 Drawings in a Week Abstract Painting Week Figure for the Week Mixed Media & Collage Week Open Jewellery Studio Week Urban Sketching Week Visit www.auarts.ca/personalinterest to register!

Asian History Month happens every May. At AUArts Library, we have hundreds of books and other materials available that let users take a deep dive into the worlds of Asian artists and art movements, and into the impact they had on history. https://www.auarts.ca/article/exploring-asian-art-history

up front Featuring works by Robin Arseneault, Tyler Los-Jones and Kablusiak Now to June 27 📍 Norberg Hall https://www.auarts.ca/exhibition/up-front-w-robin-arseneault-tyler-losjones-rachel-macfarlane

Before she became a global icon, Joni Mitchell was an art student in Calgary — exploring painting and illustration. AUArts is proud to recognize Mitchell as its 2026 Honorary MFA recipient. https://www.auarts.ca/news/global-icon-joni-mitchell-to-receive-honorary-mfa-at-auarts-convocation-2026

Combined Collapsed the future and the past 📍 Norberg Hall 📅 May 22–June 27 AUArts alum Sean Jena Taal presents a new body of graphite works exploring subterranean worlds where body, spirit and earth become inseparable. https://www.auarts.ca/exhibition/combined-collapsed-the-future-and-the-past

What advice would our students share with future AUArts creatives? One student said: “You are never alone here. There will always be people you can lean on.” At AUArts, creativity grows through connection — with peers, mentors and a community that’s here to support you every step of the way.

Art & Design Summer Camps for Teens aged 12 – 15! ☀️ Spark your imagination this summer with one of our many studio-based teen camps. Check out our summer line-up and register today at www.auarts.ca/summercamps

Congrats to AUArts alum Yilu Xing (BFA ’20) and student Thea Galang, recognized at the 2026 Cultural Leaders Legacy Arts Awards for their creative impact in Calgary’s arts community https://calgaryartsdevelopment.com/news-information/announcements/2026-cultural-leaders-legacy-arts-awards-recipients/

We’re sharing highlights from our 100-year journey — explore the full timeline at auarts100.ca. 1950 — “In time, no doubt, Tech will rival the Sistine Chapel.” 🎨

Want a career that shapes culture? The four-year Bachelor of Creative Industries (BCI) at Alberta University of the Arts prepares you to lead, create and innovate across the arts, business and community sectors. Apply for Fall 2026. 🎓 www.auarts.ca/news/auarts-...

AUArts Abstract | May 2026 mailchi.mp/auarts.ca/au... AUArts' centennial celebrations continue with the launch of a new degree, an exciting community partnership and Grad Show 2026! Sign up for the AUArts Abstract: auarts.ca/abstract-new...

🎨 Meet the artists changing the look of banking Through a new partnership between Alberta University of the Arts and ATB Financial, artwork by 14 AUArts alumni is being installed in ATB locations across Canada. www.auarts.ca/news/art-whe...

Talkback Tour with August Klintberg & Aaron Chan 📅 May 16, 2026 🕑 2–3 p.m. 📍 Richmond Art Gallery in BC 🎟 RSVP encouraged https://www.auarts.ca/event/talkback-tour-with-august-klintberg-aaron-chan

Summer camps for ages 9 to 12! ☀️ ✔️ All supplies included ✔️ fun activities and games ✔️ complimentary before and after care ✔️ breaks + social time with new friends Check out our summer line-up and register today at www.auarts.ca/summercamps

The Latest Edition: Senior Print Student Exhibition Featuring AUArts artists Leafa Christieson, Dana Nell Doshewnek, Kat King, Naia Lisch and Dimitri Smith-Kac. 🗓 May 8 – June 20 📍 A/P Main Gallery https://www.auarts.ca/exhibition/the-latest-edition-senior-print-student-exhibition

Someone was asking me if I had any advice on how to succeed and become a full time professional artist. For many years I have done many lectures and workshops on this and this list is my top 25 things you need to be able to either do or have help with. #jeffdeboer #profesionalartist #artist #artist

"I was in grade 11 when I first found myself in the Graffiti stairwell at AUArts. That was the first moment I felt at home. The sense of freedom and creative expression made me feel like I wasn’t alone." - Mark Vazquez-Mackay, BFA ‘02 Share your story: https://form.typeform.com/to/gehOh1Sr

Contemporary Connections: Cantonese Tour 🗣️🎨 🗓 May 8, 12–1 p.m. 📍 Flanagan Family Gallery Explore contemporary art in a welcoming, community-focused space. Led by AUArts alum Phoenix Ning. https://www.auarts.ca/event/contemporary-connections-cantonese-tour

Caitlind r.c. Brown (BFA '10, Painting) and Wayne Garrett have been awarded the G. & A. Mamidakis Foundation Art Prize 2026 for their proposal Chronotopia. https://elculture.com/news/the-g-a-mamidakis-foundation-art-prize-2026-awarded-to-chronotopia-by-caitlind-r-c-brown-wayne-garrett-canada/

AUArts alum Sara Young is in the spotlight ✨ Her work is featured at Alberta Craft Calgary Gallery cSPACE until May 16. Sara creates beautifully tactile textile tools, each shaped by the unique character of the wood itself. https://www.auarts.ca/exhibition/spotlight-sara-young

To mark the 100th anniversary of Alberta University of the Arts, Contemporary Calgary is offering free annual memberships to all AUArts students through 2026. https://www.auarts.ca/news/contemporary-calgary-celebrates-auarts-centennial-with-free-membership

Starting in Fall 2026, Alberta University of the Arts will welcome the first cohort of its Bachelor of Creative Industries (BCI). https://livewirecalgary.com/2026/04/14/auarts-creative-industries-program/

AUArts alum Natalie Gerber (BFA '03, Fibre and MFA '25, Craft Media) has been named the Emerging Curator with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. https://www.affta.ab.ca/news/meet-our-new-emerging-curator-natalie-gerber

AUArts alum Bomi Yook (BFA ’22, Media Arts) presents K-DIALECTIC — a powerful exploration of memory, history and fragmentation. 📍 Esker Foundation 📅 Apr 13 – June 21 https://www.auarts.ca/exhibition/kdialectic-esker

AUArts alumni and students are part of The Apothecary 🧪✨ Presented by BUMP Festival Arts Society, this group exhibition brings together 13 Calgary-based artists working across painting, photography, ceramics, textiles, sound and installation. https://www.auarts.ca/exhibition/the-apothecary

Our weeklong summer Personal Interest courses provide focused studio time, hands-on learning and a dedicated space for creative expression. Explore our summer offerings: 100 Drawings in a Week Abstract Painting Week Figure for the Week and more! Register now at www.auarts.ca/personalinterest

Step into House of Secrets A new series by Karin McGinn (BFA ’15, Fibre), this exhibition explores female empowerment, performance and escapism through staged, theatrical scenes transformed into paintings. Christine Klassen Gallery Now to May 16 https://www.auarts.ca/exhibition/house-of-secrets

What advice would our students give to future AUArts creatives? Here’s one perspective: “Let your imagination soar and learn as much as you can while you’re here. Take the opportunity to participate in the various school galleries. Get to know your classmates and profs.”

Work-In-Progress Conference — April 24 at Alberta University of the Arts The Work-In-Progress conference brings together faculty and graduate researchers as well as artists, designers and cultural workers from across Calgary. Tickets: $20 / Free for students https://in-progress.ca/about

Spirit of Locations — A Journey 🎨 Discover this exhibition by renowned Canadian artist Les Graff (Dip '59, Painting) now on view at Leighton Art Centre. 📅 Now through June 7, 2026 📍 Opening reception: April 18, 1–4 p.m. https://www.auarts.ca/exhibition/les-graff-rca-spirit-of-locations-a-journey

For more than 20 years, AUArts alumni have helped define the bold visual identity of the Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF). This year’s festival poster is created by Associate Professor Nick Johnson. https://auarts.ca/article/designing-the-underground-auarts-and-cuff

Celebrating one year of leadership at AUArts One year ago, Dr. Janis Goldie stepped into her role as President and CEO of AUArts — bringing with her an ambitious, inclusive vision for the future of art, craft and design education. https://www.auarts.ca/news/next-chief-executive-announced

For MFA Craft Studies candidate Jesi Yager, transformation isn’t just a theme — it’s lived. See her thesis, “Feet, what do I need them for if I have wings to fly” — Frida Kahlo, at Illingworth Kerr Gallery until April 18 and Adapt at Marion Nicoll Gallery until April 20. auarts.ca/article/prof...

You’ve heard of Marion Nicoll (1909–1985) for a reason. A leading figure in abstract art in Alberta, her impact helped shape modern art across Western Canada — and it started here at AUArts. www.auarts.ca/article/mari...

Summer university prep at AUArts offers a structured, supportive way to explore your interests before committing to post-secondary education. Skip the guesswork and get a head start www.auarts.ca/precollege

AUArts Abstract | April 2026 mailchi.mp/auarts.ca/au... Free student memberships, bold new exhibitions and alumni shaping Calgary’s creative scene. Sign up for the AUArts Abstract: auarts.ca/abstract-new...

Following the Fault Line Materials like honey, salt, bitumen and fire transform the Bible into a site of change — exploring tensions between faith, land and inheritance in this exhibition by Alana Bartol. 📍 Leighton Art Centre 🗓 April 11 – June 7 www.auarts.ca/exhibition/f...

Spring art classes start soon! We’re excited to introduce a lineup of brand-new courses this season: Curious? Explore the full lineup at www.auarts.ca/personalinterest Evening and weekend art classes for adults. Open to all skill levels, age 17+.

Applications are open for the 2026 AUArts Summer Residency Program — a 10-week opportunity for artists to develop their practice with dedicated studio space, full facility access and a supportive creative community. 📅 Deadline: April 15, 2026 www.auarts.ca/article/appl...

We’re sharing highlights from our 100-year journey! 1931 — Diploma programs take shape The Art Department formalized its diploma programs, establishing three distinct streams: • Fine Arts (Drawing and Painting) • Commercial Art • Applied Arts + Crafts Discover more milestones at auarts100.ca.

August Klintberg is an Associate Professor at AUArts. In his new exhibition “Bouquet”, Klintberg transforms small flower drawings made from memory into large, luminous neon sculptures. www.auarts.ca/exhibition/b...

This week, we recognize Orland M. F. Larson (1931–2026), a pioneering goldsmith and educator who helped define jewellery and metalsmithing at Alberta College of Art in the 1980s. Larson brought a bold and expansive vision for craft education to ACA from 1980 to 1991. www.auarts.ca/article/hono...

Spring 2026 Personal Interest art courses are open for registration! Explore eight weeks of hands-on art classes designed for all skill levels, aged 17+. From drawing, painting and glassblowing to jewellery and fibre arts, there's something for everyone this season. www.auarts.ca/personalinterest

In celebration of Alberta University of the Arts’ 100th anniversary, Contemporary Calgary is offering free annual memberships to all current graduate and undergraduate AUArts students through 2026! 🎉 🎨 📸 Photos by Mitra Samavaki www.auarts.ca/news/contemp...

Hot Scrap 🔥 Through feminist performance and Dada-inspired strategies, Sondra Meszaros reclaims and reframes representations of women — challenging dominant narratives through collecting, archiving and re-presenting imagery. 🗓 March 27 to April 30 📍 Norberg Hall www.auarts.ca/exhibition/h...

We were pleased to welcome The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, and Minister responsible for Official Languages, along with MP Corey Hogan, to campus today to see how AUArts students and faculty are pushing the boundaries of art, craft and design.

🎶 Congratulations to Canadian music icon Joni Mitchell, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Juno Awards. Before becoming one of the most influential singer-songwriters of all time, Mitchell spent time studying visual art at the Alberta College of Art. www.cbc.ca/music/joni-m...

We’re seeking artwork donations for a wearable-art–themed silent auction in support of the Jenifer Darbellay Memorial Award, honouring AUArts alum Jenifer Darbellay (Dip ‘96, Textiles / BFA ‘97, Textiles). Deadline: March 15, 2026 www.auarts.ca/news/call-fo...

We’re proud to see alumni and former students featured in the current Northeast Mini Galleries exhibition, HOME/LAND. Participating artists include Amanda Reber (former student), Christina Yao (BDes ’24, Photography) and Mariella Villalobos (BDes ’10, VCD). calgaryartsdevelopment.com/public-art/p...

AUArts alum Joel Heyland (BDes '18, VCD) is helping students at Winston Churchill High School in Lethbridge grow something truly special 🌱 Joel is inspiring students to take their learning outdoors — planting, harvesting and giving back to their community. www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/arti...